There will be no aching arms in sight when playing fetch with your pooch, thanks to the invention of dog ball launchers. These practical dog toys offer a new way to play fetch with your pooch and require minimal effort to keep them entertained potentially for hours, well, until they get tired that is. If you're after endless fun for your pet and injury-free play for you, read on to discover our top picks.
The best dog ball launches are designed to make fetching toys an effortless experience for both you and your hound. With a simple push of a button or a swift throw from you, these game-changing gadgets will launch tennis balls into the air at an impressive distance that simple tossing just wouldn't be able to reach, to engage your canine companion into taking part in a stimulating chase.
There are two different types of dog ball launches; automatic launchers and manual launchers. Automatic dog ball launchers, as you'd expect, come equipped with clever technology to revolutionise the way you play fetch with your furry friend. They may boast timers and adjustable distance settings, as well as the option to be operated remotely or set to programmed cycles so your pooch can enjoy some solo playtime. These types of launches give your hound the ability to load it themselves so you sit back and watch your dog run, but will require a lot of training so your dog knows what they're doing. You can also get manual dog ball launches that will require a little more interaction on your part. You can get gun-style launches to propel the ball forward or a handheld launcher that will give you more control over the distance and trajectory of each throw. Many of these offer hands-free pickup so you'll never have to toss a slobber or dirt-covered ball from your hands again.
The best dog ball launchers at a glance:
• Best overall dog ball launcher: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy – View on Amazon UK
• Best manual dog ball launcher gun: Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy – View on Argos
• Best manual dog ball launcher: ChuckIt! Sport Dog Ball Launcher – View on Amazon UK
Whatever type you pick, these gadgets make great toys for large dogs and small dogs. If you could do with a ball launcher to change the way you and your pooch play fetch, we're here to help. We've rounded up all the best automatic and manual dog ball launchers that suit a range of breeds and budgets.
Best automatic dog ball launchers
Best overall dog ball launcher
AmazonThe interactive PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy has nine distance settings and six ball angle settings, with the launcher throwing between 2.5-9m. It also has motion sensors to detect and protect people and pets standing in front of the launch area. There is also an automatic rest mode after 15 minutes for safe play time and training features.
Customer review: "Collie LOVES THIS! Picked it up really quickly. Only stalls a bit when he stands in front as the motion sensor has a safety mechanism to stop it smacking him on the nose!"
Pros
- Safety mechanism
- Adjustable distance
Cons
- Loud mechanism
Best automatic dog launcher for all breeds
amazonThe ALL FOR PAWS Interactive Dog Automatic Ball Launcher comes in either a mini size or max size, so you can pick the one that best suits the size or breed of your pooch. The launcher has three different ranges so you can choose between 10, 20 and 30ft distances for your dog to chase after. It operates with two-inch tennis balls and there are three included to get you started.
Customer review: "Arrived today (next day from ordering Prime). Set up straight out of the box with included mains adaptor very easily and using 3 balls supplied Archie was chasing and fetching straightaway...used only inside so far but 10 feet setting sees the ball fly 10 feet and 20 feet means 20 feet!!...30 feet setting hasn't been used yet for fear of knocking something over...The only concern is that the balls are smaller than standard size so may be a little difficult to replace in time but our Schnoodle is fairly light with balls so not a problem for a while to come!!"
Pros
- Good value
- Adjustable distance
Cons
- Balls need to be dry otherwise it may affect the shooting distance
Best budget automatic dog ball launcher
AmazonLooking for a budget option? Consider the Pet Prime Automatic Dog Ball Launcher. It's made with small dogs and puppies in mind but still has a distance range of 10ft to 30ft to ensure they're getting plenty of exercise when they chase after the ball. It's made from strong, hard-wearing ABS plastic and operates with small tennis balls, with three included.
Customer review: "Yes it really great my dog loves his new toy ❤️"
Pros
- Great for puppies and small breeds
- Three launching distances
Cons
- Works with two-inch tennis balls so not suitable for larger breeds
Best manual dog ball launchers
Best manual dog ball launcher gun
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Toy is the best manual dog ball launcher for anyone looking for a snazzier design. Coming in a variety of styles, this dog toy is ideal for the ultimate outdoor game of fetch. One of its features is a hands-free pick-up, so you don't need to bend down and pick up the ball each time.
Reviewed by Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "My dog cannot get enough of this ball launcher. And I can't load the ball fast enough because he brings the ball back so quickly. As a small cocker spaniel, he has endless amounts of energy so this Nerf gun brings a lot of excitement. The lever can be a little stiff and you have to remember to pull it back first before you put the ball in otherwise the mechanism doesn't work. It's simple enough once you get going and give my arms a rest!"
Pros
- Ejects 10-15m
- Hands-free pickup
Cons
- Stiff mechanism
Best manual dog ball launcher
amazonWith thousands of four and five-star Amazon ratings, this product comes in a variety of sizes depending on the size of your dog and your preferences. It's super comfortable with an ergonomic rubber handle so it's extremely effective for helping you to throw further and faster. Hands-free pickup also ensures you never need to bend down and pick up a slimy ball again.
Customer review: "Finally a foolproof ball thrower! I am the worst at throwing balls - like I will aim forwards and it will end up behind me. I have bought literally five ball launchers before this one - none of which worked very well. This one is fab, it releases any standard-sized tennis ball instantly, and even I can send it a fair distance. The orange ball that comes with it is great if like me you have a poodle who likes to abandon his ball in the long grass. It is so bright you can't miss It!"
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Ergonomic rubber grip launcher
Cons
- Some reviewers felt like it required a lot of strength for launching
Best manual dog ball launcher for distance
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Designed to shoot balls up to 75ft, the 3 Peaks Ball Blaster Dog Toy can really go the distance as it will enable you to launch a ball much further than just a normal throw. The best part of all is that there is no need to bend down to pick up slobbery balls as you can just simply use the launcher to grab them. It also includes two slots to store balls so you know where they are the next time your pooch wants to ball fetch.
Customer review: "I use a lot of different balls in my blaster and it goes plenty far enough! Dog loves it, loads of other dog owners comment on how good it is."
Pros
- Built-in ball storage
- Easy pickup
Cons
- Some reviewers have had issues with balls launching long distances
Best for hands-free pickup
amazonWith over 1,500 reviews on Amazon, another popular manual dog ball launcher from Nerf is the Nerf Dog Deluxe Air Strike Thrower. You have the choice of medium or large, and it comes with a tennis ball. It easily scoops up the ball so you don't need to pick it up with your hands, so all you need to do is fling it as far as you can for your hound to chase after.
Customer review: "This chucker is the best I have ever used. The handle is very well made and is comfortable to use. The stem is profiled, never seen that before. It is very well made. The length is perfect and allows a good throw with little effort. The holder takes a regular-sized tennis ball. This item is very good value for money. I defy anyone to find a better one at any cost. I have tried them all."
Pros
- Ergonomic handle design
- Strong
Cons
- Only includes one tennis ball
FAQs
How does a dog ball launcher work?
Simply put a dog ball launcher launches balls, usually tennis balls, into the air and far into the distance for a dog to chase and fetch.
The dog ball launchers can travel a distance of between 10 and 30 feet, which all depends on the product itself, and are a clever way to exercise your canine companion.
There are two versions of the dog ball launcher you can consider buying, depending on your budget. An automatic dog ball thrower is a more interactive dog toy as it shoots out a ball to a set distance for your dog to collect rather than you having to throw one yourself. And if you’ve trained your dog to successfully return it back to you, then it’s a great new way to play fetch.
A manual dog launcher (hand-held) means you can scoop up the ball into the slot and then swing back your arm and flick, launching the ball further than a simple hand throw.
Main features to consider when choosing a dog ball launcher
There are a few factors to keep in mind when sourcing dog ball launchers.
Indoor or outdoor: Where will your daily fetch game take place? If you have a small space, go for a product that has a short shooting range.
Size of your dog: If you have a medium-large dog breed, go for a large dog ball launcher. If you have a small dog, consider getting a smaller ball launcher model.
Distance settings: Do you want a dog ball launcher with multiple distance settings to vary the exercise? Perhaps you are satisfied with just one distance feature?
Budget: How much are you willing to pay? Is it worth going for a more expensive automatic dog ball launcher or will a manual option (cheaper) be adequate?
How do I teach my dog to use an automatic ball launcher?
Similar to any routine puppy training, introducing an automatic ball launcher may require some getting used to it. Some dogs can get it in the first go, others need a bit of practice. Here are some tips to successfully launch it with your dog:
Be patient.
Warm your dog up to the machine for ten minutes a day, three times a day (your dog getting bored is the last thing you want – make them beg for it!)
Reinforce the full process with your dog (throw-and-fetch) to get your dog comfortable with walking back to the machine after collecting a ball.
Once you've mastered this, you can train your dog to become fully self-reliant on the automatic dog ball launcher. This requires you to teach your dog to drop the ball back into the launcher – using a reward system – so that eventually your dog can play with the ball launcher without your help.
Natalie Corner is the Commercial Content Editor across the Specialist Portfolio for Bauer Media specialising in dog care. Her beloved cocker spaniel Dash is a keen tester of all dog treats and food, and will always show off his wagging tail for Take A Break Pets.